BSA Celebrates 96 Years of Service

NEWS RELEASE

BSA Celebrates 96 Years of Service

The Boy Scouts of America celebrates 96 years of service during Scouting
Anniversary Week, February 5-11, 2006. In celebration, local Scouts across the
nation will participate in special ceremonies and award presentations designed
to highlight the service Scouts and Scouting volunteers provide in their
communities.

"The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America is the same today as it was 96
years ago," said Chief Scout Executive Roy L. Williams.

"So many things have changed in our world—Scouting has remained constant
and true to its mission of serving youth and helping them learn to make better
decisions throughout their lives," Williams said.

The Boy Scouts was founded in Great Britain in 1907 by British military hero
Lord Robert Baden-Powell. Two years later, William D. Boyce, a Chicago publisher
traveling in London, became lost in a fog. A young boy helped him find his way.
When Boyce thanked the boy for his aid and offered him a tip, the boy explained
that it was his duty as a Scout to help others, and he declined the tip.

Impressed with the boy's actions, Boyce met with Baden-Powell and laid the
groundwork to bring Scouting to the United States. With the help of Ernest
Thompson Seton, Daniel Carter Beard, and James E. West, the Boy Scouts of
America was established on February 8, 1910.

Today, nearly 3 million youth enjoy the fun and excitement of Scouting. For
more information about the Boy Scouts of America, please contact your local
Boy Scout office.

Boy Scouts of America—Celebrating 96 Years of Serving Youth and
Families